Timmy Wins Mr. Price Pro Ballito

Tim Reyes (USA), 31, etched his name into the history books with the biggest victory of his career, defeating Australian Matt Wilkinson, 25, in six-to-eight foot surf at the ASP Prime-rated Mr Price Pro Ballito in South Africa.

Back in the water just two weeks after a shoulder injury, Reyes’s razor-sharp performance saw him pocket US$40,000 and 6,500 rankings points. His victory rocketed him from No. 131 on the Qualification Series (QS) rankings to a remarkable No. 5, and opens the door for potentially requalifying for the WCT in 2015.

Timmy built house in the opening minutes of the final to take an early lead, but Wilko bust the door wide-open with a massive 9.20 with 13 minutes remaining. The ball was in the Australian’s court following that big score, but Timmy, needing a 7.54 to re-take the lead, hooked into a running right-hander with seven minutes remaining. A series of critical turns completed with total control were rewarded with an 8.27 by the judges. This handed the 2014 Mr Price Pro victory to the Californian – his first professional win for a decade.

“I had a dream a few days ago that I should just sit wide, be patient, and the wave would come to me,” Reyes said of his strategy. “Almost every heat I had, the same thing happened and that’s what happened on my 8.25 in the final.”

“I had a dream a few days ago that I should just sit wide, be patient, and the wave would come to me,” Reyes said of his strategy. “Almost every heat I had, the same thing happened and that’s what happened on my 8.25 in the final.”

Asked at the prize giving if he was eyeing-out a return to the Dream Tour, Timmy replied, “I’m taking it one contest at a time, one heat at a time. We’ll see what happens. It’s going to be a long year.”

“This is definitely the biggest win I’ve ever had in my life,” continued Timmy. “It’s been so cool to get the support from the locals. Thank you, guys!”

Chuy Reyna, Firewires Team Manager stated ”Timmy’s free surfing has been amazing despite his shoulder injury” which happened two weeks prior to surfing the 6 star prime event ”It’s a real testament that all the hard work and training with coach Wade Sharp has all been worth it” “We are stoked for Timmy and look forward to his possible return to the WCT, he loves good waves and the WCT is where he belongs”